Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve to Participate in Operation Dry Water

HOMESTEAD, Fla - Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Biscayne National Park are participating in Operation Dry Water. Operation Dry Water is a national safety and awareness campaign with a goal to promote safety and reduce boating accidents and injuries caused by alcohol and drug use. The campaign organizes a heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, which will be held this year between June 29 and July 1, 2018. Law Enforcement Rangers will patrol the waterways this weekend to spread awareness of the hazards of boating under the influence.

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Since its inception, law enforcement officers have removed 3,038 boating under the influence (BUI) operators from the nation’s waterways and made contact with over 1.1 million boaters during the annual three-day weekend.

It is illegal in every state and territory to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating under the influence laws pertain to all vessels, from paddlecraft to motorboats. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is against federal and state law.

Alcohol and drug use are dangerous for passengers as well. Intoxication can lead to serious injuries. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

District Ranger Herrin encourages boaters to wear their life jackets. “We want everyone to have a safe and fun boating experience.” For assistance or to report violations call Everglades Dispatch at 1-844-NPS-0911.